Division I Prospects: 2023 Offensive Sleepers

It is no secret that Colorado is still a fly-over state when it comes to recruiting, but there are more than a handful of players who reel in big-time offers from major programs. Having four Division I programs (three FBS and one FCS) reside within the state’s borders provides a more substantial opportunity for in-state recruits than in states with fewer D1 programs. However, a recruit’s potential value is often measured by the number of offers they have received and who extended the offers. It should go without saying that a player who receives multiple D1 offers is a D1 player, but not having those offers does not mean a player is not worthy. Rather than focusing on the top recruited players, this article will look at ten offensive sleepers worthy of D1 attention, starting with two linemen.   [caption id="attachment_324247" align="alignright" width="200"]<img class="wp-image-324247" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/72-Wyatt-WALTERS.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="133" /> [player_tooltip player_id="243522" first="Wyatt" last="Walters"][/caption]Grandview’s [player_tooltip player_id="243522" first="Wyatt" last="Walters"] is a 6-foot-4, 280lbs tackle whose film highlights a player with monstrous power and great speed. He is quick out of his stance and has good speed, which helps him kick out defenders while using his excellent vision and awareness to work to the second level. Walters recently picked up his first offer from Adams State, a Division II program, but do not be surprised when his D1 offers start to roll in. [player_tooltip player_id="220425" first="Hayden" last="Woodruff"] is a 6-foot-3, 315lbs interior lineman from Mullen who is starting to pick up traction as a D1 prospect and recently earned his first FCS offer from the University of Northern Colorado. He has quick hands and well-timed strikes with accurate placement. Woodruff is a methodical player who comes to the line with a plan while having the answers for when things go awry. [embed]https://twitter.com/WoodruffHayden/status/1522355018376126466?s=20&t=OY26B416iASILBGff0bXBA[/embed] The line is the foundation of the offense, but there is no position more popular than the quarterback. One shot-calling gunslinger who is on the verge of emerging as a top-tier sleeper is [player_tooltip player_id="22741" first="Kaiden" last="Box"] from Skyline. Box is a 6-foot-4 QB with quick feet, a smooth throwing motion, and an incredible arm. He has spent this offseason traveling with one of the state’s premier 7-on-7 clubs, showcasing his passing talents against some of the nation’s top competitors. His impressionable introduction to the spectators and onlookers at the 7-on-7 tournaments has helped land him on the radars of a few D1 and D2 programs. Denver South’s [player_tooltip player_id="150187" first="Joseph" last="Capra"] is a dual-threat QB with a strong arm and the ability to hit his receivers in stride. This 6-foot-2 QB has superb athleticism and great speed, which he uses to escape the pocket and outrun the defense, making him an even bigger problem for the defense. Capra is a player with sleeper potential who has started to receive some attention from a few D1 schools. <img class=" wp-image-329234 alignright" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/5-Nathaniel-Robinson-1-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="200" height="200" />[player_tooltip player_id="150219" first="Nathaniel" last="Robinson"] is a 5-foot-8, 185lbs running back from Palmer Ridge who could easily land a spot on a D1 roster. He is an elusive runner with great speed, excellent vision, and explosive cuts. His athleticism gives him the versatility to be a viable option in the passing game. Robinson is an outstanding player who has found himself under the prospect spotlight of a few big-time programs. Cherry Creek’s [player_tooltip player_id="22757" first="Carlson" last="Tann"] is a running back who is one of the more impressive sleepers among the position group. The 5-foot-10, 172lbs back is a well-rounded player with significant upside. He can exploit the smallest gaps in the line and quickly explode through the second level. Tann has shown potential to be a three-down or change-of-pace back, making him a steal for the team that picks him up. [caption id="attachment_300783" align="alignright" width="200"]<img class="wp-image-300783" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/03/AC6F0FBB-6377-475D-89C1-CBC993C8F46B.jpeg" alt="" width="200" height="133" /> [player_tooltip player_id="22768" first="Gavin" last="Jenkins"][/caption][player_tooltip player_id="22768" first="Gavin" last="Jenkins"] is a 6-foot-3, 196lbs wide receiver from Vista Ridge who is an extraordinarily talented and grossly underrated player in the 2023 class. He is a powerful route runner with strength and physicality, making him an ideal target in one-on-one and red zone situations. Jenkins has caught the eye of a couple of D1 programs, but he is still a low-flying prospect with fantastic potential. Erie’s [player_tooltip player_id="62229" first="Caden" last="Lettis"] is a 6-foot-2, 185lbs sleeper who quietly put on one of the more productive performances last season. He is a surehanded receiver with great athleticism and the ability to high-point the ball and win in one-on-one situations. Lettis has garnered a lot of attention from some D2 schools and a few Ivy League programs, but it would not be a surprise to see his name floating around Big Sky and Mountain West programs. [caption id="attachment_140551" align="alignright" width="200"]<img class="wp-image-140551" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/IMG_3365.jpeg" alt="" width="200" height="133" /> [player_tooltip player_id="62229" first="Caden" last="Lettis"][/caption]For the tight ends, Grandview’s Simon Kibbee is a player on the cusp of becoming a breakout prospect. The 6-foot-7, 220lbs TE has a quick first step and a wide wingspan that gives him great reach as a blocker and a wide catch radius as a receiver. Kibbee is starting to make headway in the recruiting game, recently earning his first FCS offer from UNC. [embed]https://twitter.com/KibbeeSimon/status/1517994889966800896?s=20&t=P9JYykAOIscQy5VYQzZXMw[/embed] [player_tooltip player_id="306981" first="Jerry" last="Lydiatt"] is a 6-foot-3, 225lbs TE from Pine Creek with legitimate D1 sleeper potential. He is a physical athlete who dominates as an extra blocker, adding serious strength to the line. He is versatile enough to lineup tight or out wide as a receiver and exploits defensive secondaries. Lydiatt is a prospect who has landed on the radar of a few D1 programs with the likelihood of an offer coming his way.